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Voluntary Collection

Background imageVoluntary Collection: Che Guevara / Builder

Che Guevara / Builder
ERNESTO GUEVARA Known as CHE GUEVARA Latin American guerrilla leader and revolutionary theorist. Relaxing after a voluntary working Sunday. *UNAVAILABLE FOR USE IN ASIA AT PRESENT*

Background imageVoluntary Collection: London & South Western Railway Servants Orphanage, Woking

London & South Western Railway Servants Orphanage, Woking
General view of the main building of the London & South Western Railway Servants Orphanage at Woking, Surrey

Background imageVoluntary Collection: Suffragette selling badges

Suffragette selling badges Date: circa 1910s

Background imageVoluntary Collection: George Beaumont with manual fire engine, Pinner

George Beaumont with manual fire engine, Pinner
George Beaumont, Chief Officer of the Pinner Voluntary Fire Brigade, with a manual fire engine which was kept at Waxwell Lane, Pinner, having previously been housed at The Hall

Background imageVoluntary Collection: Barnet Voluntary Fire Brigade with manual horse pump

Barnet Voluntary Fire Brigade with manual horse pump
The officers and firemen of the Barnet voluntary fire brigade with the manual horse drawn pump fire engine

Background imageVoluntary Collection: Advert for recruiting women for the WaF 1941

Advert for recruiting women for the WaF 1941
You ought to be driving in the WaF. Recruitment of women for The Womens Auxiliary Air Force. Conscription of women did not begin until 1941

Background imageVoluntary Collection: Poster advertising the Special Constabulary

Poster advertising the Special Constabulary, seeking fit men and women for part-time voluntary service. Civil Defence is Common Sense. Ask for details at your local police station. 1940s

Background imageVoluntary Collection: Red Cross Poster - World War I

Red Cross Poster - World War I
Poster asking for donations to the British Red Cross during World War I, stressing urgently that six pounds a minute is required to maintain the number of motor ambulances, hospital ships

Background imageVoluntary Collection: Daily lives in London during the Blitz

Daily lives in London during the Blitz
Four images relating to air-raided London in October 1940

Background imageVoluntary Collection: Mobile Canteens

Mobile Canteens
A row of mobile canteens in Brighton. Note that one of the vans has Y.M.C.A. printed on it. 1940

Background imageVoluntary Collection: Violet Jessop - Titanic survivor

Violet Jessop - Titanic survivor
Violet Constance Jessop (1887-1971) pictured in Voluntary Aid Detachment Uniform while assigned to HMHS Britannic, circa 1915 - a nurse, who not only survived the sinking of the unsinkable Titanic

Background imageVoluntary Collection: Russo-Turkish War (1877-1878). Burial of a Serbian

Russo-Turkish War (1877-1878). Burial of a Serbian volunteer. Engraving by Vierge. La Guerra de Oriente (The Russo-Turkish War). Volume I. 1877

Background imageVoluntary Collection: Metropolitan Drinking Fountain and Cattle Trough Association

Metropolitan Drinking Fountain and Cattle Trough Association
Notice, Metropolitan Drinking Fountain and Cattle Trough Association, Victoria House, Victoria Street, Westminster, London SW. Free supplies of water for man and beast in the streets of London. 1887

Background imageVoluntary Collection: BROTHER OF FREE SPIRIT

BROTHER OF FREE SPIRIT
A BROTHER OF THE FREE SPIRIT - also known as the Voluntary Poor, Beghards and other names Date: 14th century

Background imageVoluntary Collection: RMS Titanic, photograph, Captain Edward John Smith

RMS Titanic, photograph, Captain Edward John Smith
RMS TITANIC, Period oversize photograph showing Titanic's Captain Edward John Smith on board the Olympic with rare note The accompanying photograph of Captain Smith is provided by the voluntary

Background imageVoluntary Collection: WW2 - The Girls Of Today, W. V. S. Restaurant

WW2 - The Girls Of Today, W. V. S. Restaurant
A WW2 children's book illustration from The Girls Of Today. The image shows a a family walking into a Women's Voluntary Service run restaurant. Date: circa 1940s

Background imageVoluntary Collection: WW2 - Gracie And The W. V. S

WW2 - Gracie And The W. V. S
A WW2 children's illustrated Gracie doll card, equipped with a wartime Women's Voluntary Service uniform. Date: circa 1940s

Background imageVoluntary Collection: WW2 Birthday Card, Initials

WW2 Birthday Card, Initials
A WW2 birthday greetings card with a focus on initials, some of which represent wartime services including the Royal Air Force, Auxiliary territorial service, National Fire Service

Background imageVoluntary Collection: WW2 W. V. S. Salvage

WW2 W. V. S. Salvage
This illustration shows a man speaking to a salvage officer working for the Women's Voluntary Service during WW2, with a large container of items to be recycled for better use. Date: circa 1941

Background imageVoluntary Collection: The Continuing Balkans Crisis, Bulgaria

The Continuing Balkans Crisis, Bulgaria
Images of the Balkans Crisis from Rustchuk, Bulgaria. We see the Quay of the town (top), and the departure of Bulgarian volunteers lined up, ready to go to the Turkish Frontier (Bottom)

Background imageVoluntary Collection: Lady Alexandra Haig

Lady Alexandra Haig (1907-1997), daughter of Field Marshal Earl Haig, on duty with the Voluntary Aid Detatchment (VAD). Date: 1940

Background imageVoluntary Collection: H. R. H. The Duchess of Kent

H. R. H. The Duchess of Kent
The Duchess of Kent (1906-1968) formerly Princess Marina of Greece and Denmark, here helping out at her local hospital

Background imageVoluntary Collection: Dornier Do 28A-1 G-ASUR

Dornier Do 28A-1 G-ASUR (msn 3051) at Exeter Airport in June 1066, in company with Slingsby Sedbergh TX1 XN157 (msn 1161) of an Air Cadet Voluntary Gliding School. Date: 1968

Background imageVoluntary Collection: Mrs Robert Hudson wife of Minister of Agriculture and member of the Women's Voluntary Service

Mrs Robert Hudson wife of Minister of Agriculture and member of the Women's Voluntary Service, in East End, London

Background imageVoluntary Collection: Advert for Burberry women's equipment WWII

Advert for Burberry women's equipment WWII
During the Second World War Burberry supplied the British Army with a range of military clothing and accessories. Advertisement for a range of Auxiliary Service equipment for women Date: 1941

Background imageVoluntary Collection: Lord Beaverbrook's appeal for aluminium 1940

Lord Beaverbrook's appeal for aluminium 1940
Lord Beaverbrook the Minister for Aircraft Production appealed for objects wholly or partly made of aluminium for the manufacture of aeroplanes

Background imageVoluntary Collection: Lord Beaverbrook the Minister for Aircraft Production appealed for objects wholly or partly made of aluminium for

Lord Beaverbrook the Minister for Aircraft Production appealed for objects wholly or partly made of aluminium for the manufacture of aeroplanes

Background imageVoluntary Collection: Advert for Metropolitan Drinking Fountain 1878

Advert for Metropolitan Drinking Fountain 1878
Metropolitan drinking Fountain and Cattle Trough Association, set up in London by Samuel Gurney, a Member of Parliament and philanthropist to supported by voluntary contributions

Background imageVoluntary Collection: The Vulgarity of Voluntarism 1914

The Vulgarity of Voluntarism 1914
An illustration of the evil effects of the vulgarity of voluntarism referred to by our contributor

Background imageVoluntary Collection: W. V. S. Worker demonstrating how to build an emergency oven

W. V. S. Worker demonstrating how to build an emergency oven
A W.V.S. (Womens Voluntary Service) Worker demonstrating how to build an emergency oven out of bricks, a piece of metal plate and a broken piece of drainpipe. Date: circa 1941

Background imageVoluntary Collection: Women painting kerbside for blackouts, September 1939

Women painting kerbside for blackouts, September 1939
Women of the Voluntary Ambulance Service painting the kerbside between their headquarters and the first-aid post to allow them to find their way in a blackout. Date: 1939

Background imageVoluntary Collection: First voluntary ambulance service 1939

First voluntary ambulance service 1939
The first voluntary ambulance service, " All India", photographed soon after its formation in London by Indian doctors and medical students. The volunteers wear helmets and carry gas masks

Background imageVoluntary Collection: Uniformed female workers in British war services, April 1941

Uniformed female workers in British war services, April 1941
A selection of women involved in British war services including the Womens Royal Naval Services, the Womens Auxiliary Territorials Service, the Red Cross, the Womens Auxiliary Air Force

Background imageVoluntary Collection: Lady Sclater and volunteers, War Workroom Fund

Lady Sclater and volunteers, War Workroom Fund, doing useful work for hospitals at home and abroad during the First World War. circa 1917

Background imageVoluntary Collection: Making sacks and warm clothes for the troops, WW1

Making sacks and warm clothes for the troops, WW1
Women making sacks and warm clothes for the troops in a YMCA hut during the First World War. 1914-1918

Background imageVoluntary Collection: Metropolitan drinking Fountain and cattle trough association

Metropolitan drinking Fountain and cattle trough association, set up in London by Samuel Gurney, a Member of Parliament, and philanthropist to supported by voluntary contributions

Background imageVoluntary Collection: Voluntary Aid Detachment nurses at military hospital

Voluntary Aid Detachment nurses at military hospital
Large group of Voluntary Aid Detachment nurses outside military hospital. A man in military uniform stands at far left and another in central row next to doctors and chaplain

Background imageVoluntary Collection: Nurses, doctor, orderlies and domestic staff

Nurses, doctor, orderlies and domestic staff
Group of nurses, orderlies and doctor in grounds of hospital. Central row sit in deckchairs. A Voluntary Aid Detachment Nurse stands in back row. Date: 1914-1918

Background imageVoluntary Collection: Group on rear verandah, Quex Park

Group on rear verandah, Quex Park
Group of patients and one nurse on the rear verandah, overlooking the gardens, Quex Park. This verandah ran along the back of the Museum buildings and was used as a sheltered outdoor space in summer

Background imageVoluntary Collection: Dreadnought Hospital ship at Greenwich 1870

Dreadnought Hospital ship at Greenwich 1870
In 1870 the patients were transferred ashore to the infirmary. which was renamed the Dreadnought Seamens Hospital

Background imageVoluntary Collection: Symbolic cutting of pigtails in Shanghai, China

Symbolic cutting of pigtails in Shanghai, China
At Shanghai, 500 young men voluntarily relinquish their traditional pigtails, symbolising the new spirit of China. Date: 1911

Background imageVoluntary Collection: WW2 poster, Women wanted as ambulance drivers

WW2 poster, Women wanted as ambulance drivers
WW2 recruitment poster, Women wanted as ambulance drivers. Offer your services to your local council or any branch of Womens Voluntary Services. Date: early 1940s

Background imageVoluntary Collection: WW2 VAD Mini Mouse Walt Disney Cartoon Card

WW2 VAD Mini Mouse Walt Disney Cartoon Card
World War 2 VAD Mini Mouse Walt Disney Cartoon Card, World War 2 Walt Disney Postcard, Minnie Mouse - VAD, . Showing support for the Voluntary Aid Detachment Date: 1940s

Background imageVoluntary Collection: Elizabeth Asquith at work

Elizabeth Asquith at work
Elizabeth Charlotte Lucy Asquith (1897-1945), later Princess Bibesco, English writer, daughter of British Prime Minister Herbert Asquith and his second wife, Margot

Background imageVoluntary Collection: WW1 Red Cross and St. John's Ambulance Brigade

WW1 Red Cross and St. John's Ambulance Brigade Voluntary Aid Detachment volunteers with refreshments at a rai

Background imageVoluntary Collection: A Mound of Aluminium, July 1940

A Mound of Aluminium, July 1940
In response to the appeal for aluminium from Lord Beaverbrook, Minister for Aircraft Production, families hand in their spare pots and pans to aid the war effort. 1940

Background imageVoluntary Collection: Mansford House, Birchington as VAD Hospital

Mansford House, Birchington as VAD Hospital
Mansford House, Spencer Road, Birchington. Mansford House was one of the buildings used by the Birchington VAD detachment in the early days of its work in 1914 and 1915

Background imageVoluntary Collection: VAD matron and nurses at a French hospital, WW1

VAD matron and nurses at a French hospital, WW1
A group of VAD nurses, attached to the St Johns Ambulance Assocation, pictured at a hospital in France where they had been since the outbreak of war. The nurses wear arm brassards with the St

Background imageVoluntary Collection: Inns of Court OTC advertisement, WW1

Inns of Court OTC advertisement, WW1
Text advertisement encouraging men to join the Inns of Court Officer Training Corps, also known as The Devils Own

Background imageVoluntary Collection: VAD girl, WW1

VAD girl, WW1
A cartoon drawing a VAD (Voluntary Aid Detachment) nurse, showing her made up of the three letters forming her name and carrying a tray. Date: 1918

Background imageVoluntary Collection: Womens Voluntary Service (WVS) canteen van, WW2

Womens Voluntary Service (WVS) canteen van, WW2
Women from the WVS providing refreshments to National Fire Service London firefighters. The canteen van was presented to the London Region by the township of Inchfawn Bar Harbour, USA

Background imageVoluntary Collection: Female Harrods Employees in War-time Uniform, 1940

Female Harrods Employees in War-time Uniform, 1940
Photograph showing nine female employees of Harrods in their war-time uniforms, each woman working for a different service. From left to right: Womans Land Army, Womens Voluntary Services, St

Background imageVoluntary Collection: Che Guevara / Sunday

Che Guevara / Sunday
ERNESTO GUEVARA, KNOWN AS CHE GUEVARA. Latin American guerrilla leader & revolutionary theorist. Voluntary work (Sun)day; many Cubans worked to rebuild Cuba. *UNAVAILABLE FOR USE IN ASIA AT PRESENT*

Background imageVoluntary Collection: The National Gallerys Wartime Canteen

The National Gallerys Wartime Canteen
Volunteers prepare food for their customers at The National Gallery canteen, established during the Second World War in order to raise money for the war effort. 1940

Background imageVoluntary Collection: Canteen in Blandford

Canteen in Blandford
The inside of a canteen in Blandford, Dorset, where women volunteers are dishing out food and tea to the troops. 1940

Background imageVoluntary Collection: Ann Todd gives in her appliances for the war effort

Ann Todd gives in her appliances for the war effort
Actress Ann Todd photographed handing in her spare household appliances to the local W.V.S. office in Berkshire

Background imageVoluntary Collection: Soldier Given Tea from a Mobile Canteen

Soldier Given Tea from a Mobile Canteen
Sapper A. Kent is given tea from a mobile canteen by two members of the Womens Transport Service in Eastbourne. 1940

Background imageVoluntary Collection: Mobile Canteen being unloaded

Mobile Canteen being unloaded
Mobile canteen being unloaded at Cooden Beach, East Sussex

Background imageVoluntary Collection: Loading a Mobile Canteen

Loading a Mobile Canteen
Women loading an urn onto a mobile canteen in Brighton. Bananas and cakes can also be seen. 1940

Background imageVoluntary Collection: A Y. M. C. A. Mobile Tea Car

A Y. M. C. A. Mobile Tea Car
Three female volunteers wait to restock a mobile canteen outside at Gattis on The Strand, London, which was converted during the War into a Y.M.C.A. hostel for servicemen based in the city. 1940

Background imageVoluntary Collection: WRVS, Middlesex branch, WW2

WRVS, Middlesex branch, WW2
WRVS (Womens Royal Voluntary Service), Middlesex branch, during WW2, with their leader Mrs Sydney Jewell (front row, 2nd from right). 1940

Background imageVoluntary Collection: X-Ray - Voluntary and Involuntary Muscular Fibres

X-Ray - Voluntary and Involuntary Muscular Fibres. Part of Box 165 Boswell Collection - X-Rays. Date: circa 1900

Background imageVoluntary Collection: The Soldiers and Sailors Buffet at Victoria Station

The Soldiers and Sailors Buffet at Victoria Station
Impression of a crowded scene at Victoria Station as men arriving on the leave train, or else departing for the Front, are given free refreshments from the Soldiers and Sailors Free Buffet

Background imageVoluntary Collection: Early woman police officer, WW1

Early woman police officer, WW1
Early woman police officer, member of a special womens patrol set up at the start of the First World War. Date: circa 1914-1915

Background imageVoluntary Collection: Early woman police officer, Mrs M B Crowle

Early woman police officer, Mrs M B Crowle
Early woman police officer, Mrs Mary Beatrice Crowle, one of the first members of a special womens patrol set up at the start of the First World War

Background imageVoluntary Collection: Telegram mobilising VAD 1914

Telegram mobilising VAD 1914
This telegram, sent to Birchington late in the day on 14 October 1914, was the call to mobilise the local Voluntary Aid Detachments to set up their hospitals

Background imageVoluntary Collection: Selling War Certificates, Birchington

Selling War Certificates, Birchington
Hannah Powell-Cotton, in her uniform as Commandant of Birchington Voluntary Aid Detachment, sitting at a table selling War Certificates during War Weapons Week

Background imageVoluntary Collection: Birchington Girl Guide Troop at Quex Park June 1920

Birchington Girl Guide Troop at Quex Park June 1920
The Birchington Girl Guide Troop photographed in the garden of Quex Park on 11 June 1920

Background imageVoluntary Collection: Lord Harris with Hannah Powell-Cotton

Lord Harris with Hannah Powell-Cotton
Lord Harris photographed with Hannah Powell-Cotton, as Commandant of the Birchington VAD Kent/178

Background imageVoluntary Collection: Three Patients (one in bed) with nurses

Three Patients (one in bed) with nurses Date: 1916

Background imageVoluntary Collection: Belgian patients at Quex Park

Belgian patients at Quex Park
Photograph of four Belgian patients of the Quex Park VAD Hospital standing/sitting on the fence in front of Quex Park. On the left is Oscar Van Audenhove

Background imageVoluntary Collection: Lady Percy

Lady Percy
Countess Percy, formerly Lady Helen Gordon-Lennox, daughter of the Duke of Richmond and later Duchess of Northumberland. She married Earl Percy in 1911. Date: 1907

Background imageVoluntary Collection: The House of Decoys, Mexico

The House of Decoys, Mexico. Date: circa 1900s

Background imageVoluntary Collection: Hannah Powell-Cotton, Commandant of Kent / 178

Hannah Powell-Cotton, Commandant of Kent / 178
A studio photograph of Hannah Powell-Cotton in her uniform as Commandant of the Birchington Voluntary Aid Detachment, without hat. This jacket survives at Quex Park today (2015)

Background imageVoluntary Collection: Patients in A Ward at Quex Park VAD Hospital

Patients in A Ward at Quex Park VAD Hospital
Two patients in bed near the garden window in A Ward in the Drawing Room of Quex House. Alongside them stand two members of the Voluntary Aid Detachment

Background imageVoluntary Collection: Captain Commandant Bogaerts

Captain Commandant Bogaerts, Belgian Army. In the garden at Quex. Major Powell-Cotton had met Bogaerts in Africa a few years previously. He visited Quex on several occasions during the War. Date: 1915

Background imageVoluntary Collection: Major Powell-Cotton and friends

Major Powell-Cotton and friends
(Right to left) Major PHG Powell-Cotton, Captain Commandant Bogaerts, Belgian Army, Anne Bogaerts, his sister

Background imageVoluntary Collection: Belgian Patients & VAD Staff, C Ward, Quex Park

Belgian Patients & VAD Staff, C Ward, Quex Park.This ward was situated in the second of the two Museum galleries, built in the early 1900s and unfinished in 1914

Background imageVoluntary Collection: Members of Birchington VAD

Members of Birchington VAD. Seated (l-r) Mary Holmes (Lady Superintendent), Hannah Powell-Cotton (Commandant), Alice Cobb (Quartermaster). Standing (l-r) Elsie Alice Smith, Florence Perfect, ?, ?

Background imageVoluntary Collection: Hannah Powell-Cotton and Pte CF Reynolds CEF 18684

Hannah Powell-Cotton and Pte CF Reynolds CEF 18684
Hannah Powell-Cotton and Private CF Reynolds, 18684, 42nd Royal Highlanders (Canadian Expeditionary Force) preparing to leave Quex Park VAD Hospital on 1st October 1915

Background imageVoluntary Collection: Patients in the Mess Room, Quex Park

Patients in the Mess Room, Quex Park
Belgian Patients in the Mess Room, Quex Park. The Mess Room was situated in the Winter Garden, a large conservatory situated between Quex House and the Museum buildings

Background imageVoluntary Collection: Belgian Patients in the Mess Room, Quex Park

Belgian Patients in the Mess Room, Quex Park. The Mess Room was situated in the Winter Garden, a large conservatory situated between Quex House and the Museum buildings

Background imageVoluntary Collection: Belgian Patients & VAD Staff, B Ward, Quex Park

Belgian Patients & VAD Staff, B Ward, Quex Park.This ward was situated in the first gallery of the Museum, built in 1896, The Gallery housed a diorama (right hand side of photograph)

Background imageVoluntary Collection: Belgian Patients & VAD Staff, A Ward, Quex Park

Belgian Patients & VAD Staff, A Ward, Quex Park
Belgian Patients and VAD Staff in A Ward at the Quex Park VAD Hospital. This ward was situated in the drawing room of Quex House. Fifteen beds were used in this room



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